India turns snobbish, Asia Cup hijacked by geo-politics

Matches between India and Pakistan have never really been just about bat and ball.

- ByCHAMPIKA FERNANDO IN DUBAI

The two nations carry decades of political baggage, the expectations of hundreds of millions and ever-present global attention. Even within those contexts, however, what happened after India’s seven-wicket win on Sunday night felt extraordinary. The two teams did not shake hands. Not before the match, not after.

India thumped Pakistan by seven wickets. The game ended when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav smashed a six to finish it off, chasing a below par 128 to win. He then turned to his partner, Shivam Dube, shook his hand, and headed off to the dressing room. The Pakistani players stood waiting, expecting the traditional handshake between rivals. It never came. They were disappointed and surprised. What is normally a routine gesture of sportsmanship was deliberately omitted.

PCB said manager Naveed Cheema protested the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands, calling it unsporting. In response, Pakistan withheld their captain from the post-match ceremony.